Odisha Assembly disrupted amid opposition protest over women’s safety and MLA suspension

Bhubaneswar, March 20: The Odisha Assembly witnessed repeated disruptions on Thursday as opposition members from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress created a ruckus over various issues, leading to multiple adjournments. The House, which began on a solemn note with a minute of silence to pay tribute to former BJD MLA Debaraj Seth, soon descended into chaos as the proceedings progressed.

The pandemonium started during the question hour when Congress legislators disrupted proceedings with hooting and whistling. The opposition MLAs stormed into the well of the House, protesting against the rising cases of crimes against women in the state. As Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling attempted to address the Assembly, Congress members continued to shout slogans, demanding immediate action and accountability from the government.

Despite repeated appeals from Speaker Surama Padhy to maintain decorum, the opposition members remained defiant, intensifying their protests. Adding to the tension, Congress MLAs, wearing black armbands, strongly opposed the recent suspension of their party leader, Tara Prasad Bahinipati. The disruptions ultimately led to the adjournment of the Assembly multiple times throughout the day.